Annual Dells Weekend Getaway!

The Annual Dells trip happened this weekend and it didn't disappoint. Every time we get these three kids together it proves to provides more hilarity and cute moments, and I only anticipate this to continue.

There were a number of firsts this year:

1) First time my Dad got fully in the water to swim. I guess Grandpa Twiggy really can't say no to a Leo saying: "take off your shoes and get in the water Grandpa".

2) Finn conquered the BUCKET. This has been an epic four years in the making after a traumatic experience when Finn was little. He was so proud of himself each time he would stand under the thousands of gallons pouring down.

3) It was our first time in four years of going that we discovered the "Toddler" pool...thanks ONLY to my friend Summer who went to the Wilderness the first time this year. I can't believe we have been missing out on this as it was so much better--quieter, warmer water (bonus for the parentals), less busy and age appropriate.

4) It was the first time all 3 kids were spashing together in the big pool. Which was a ton of fun until all hell broke loose and Leo jumped into my arms, while Nate looked away for a split second and Matilda jumped in after him and plunged right into the water with no one to catch her. Luckily, my mom instict kicked in and I reach in and plucked her out of the water and held her by her swimsuit. Didn't seem to phase her. I, on the other hand, was pretty sure that much adrenaline would send me into early labor....

5) It was also the first time that Matilda extended her quest for the perfect ear for comfort to kids her 'own' age. Unfortunately, Leo didn't really quite know what to think of it. I love this sequence of pictures as it tells the story with no captions required...

And of course, I can't resist any 'excited' photos of Matilda when she gets whatever food she has been asking for. Here is her first bite of a banana she just couldn't wait for after a busy morning at the pool.

It almost rivals the cheese face....